Data-Driven Instruction For Personalized Learning
Data-driven instruction is one of the cornerstones of personalized learning, for students of all ages. Say the word “data,” though, and many teachers will react negatively, because it conjures up images of standardized testing.
What Is Data-Driven Instruction
Standardized testing, mandated by school districts and states, is a “macro” example of how data can be collected and what can be done with it. In personalized learning, however, data-driven instruction is performed on a “micro” level, often on the fly. Undoubtedly, you’re already incorporating data into your teaching every day.
Examples Of Data-Driven Instruction
Whether you’ve been aware of it or not, every time you get information about your students and incorporate that into your teaching, you’re practicing a form of data-driven instruction.
For example, you might start to present a lesson, notice how many students are confused or disengaged, and switch your approach within minutes. As another example, you might observe how many students ask questions, seem to be interested, and reflect back what they’ve learned to you or other students. You can also perform periodic checks for understanding, with individual students or the class as a whole.
More structured examples of data-driven instruction include the use of tests and homework, as well as assessments (summary assessments and formative assessments),
Steps In Data-Driven Instruction
In data-driven instruction, the steps are simple: You collect data, analyze the data, decide what to do with it, come up with a plan, and implement your plan.
In collecting and analyzing data, you’re looking for patterns, to see if an individual student, small groups of students, or the entire class are learning what you’re teaching. By paying attention, in particular, to data from individual students, you can personalize learning more effectively.
Benefits Of Data-Driven Instruction
Data always tells a story, and in the classroom, data can provide relevant, timely feedback about your teaching and your students’ learning. Data can empower you to make adjustments to your teaching style, delivery, activities, and curriculum, in order to meet students where they are. Data can allow you to identify and measure the strengths and weaknesses of the class, as well as each student. You can use data to help students set and achieve personal goals – for learning something, completing something, or accomplishing something. In short, data can be your friend!
Learn More About Data-Driven Instruction For Personalized Learning
If you’d like to learn more about data-driven instruction, we offer a 3-credit online course on Personalizing Learning that covers not only data-driven instruction, but also student-centered instruction, inquiry-driven instruction, and assessments.
Education 4 Equity
At Education 4 Equity, we’re committed to providing the best professional development courses for teachers, delivered 100% online. We offer 1-credit, 2-credit, and 3-credit online courses for teachers that qualify for graduate level credit and have been approved for LAUSD salary points through the Los Angeles Unified School District.